Rising home prices in India have left many NRIs feeling priced out. They say buying a place now matches costs in big cities abroad. On Reddit, users often compare Mumbai and Bengaluru flats to homes in Australia or Germany. They point to better value, roads, and rent income overseas.
Home costs in Indian cities now rival those in other countries. Some NRIs claim stronger returns and perks in spots like Australia and Germany. (Representational Image) (Unsplash)
One user planned a move back to India and checked 2021 prices. “I could snag an Australian house for the cost of an Indian flat,” he posted. Better roads and higher rents abroad swayed him to buy there. His investment doubled in value over two years.
Another noted a solid Mumbai flat now runs the price of a Munich apartment. In Bengaluru, cheap options sit far from the center. Delhi-NCR deals with steep costs and lifestyle issues that block buys.
A user said Tier-2 towns cost less, but added, “I lack ties to them.” This shows a common reluctance to leave big cities for emotional reasons.
Reddit folks highlighted Hyderabad as a cheaper option against high prices in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Gurugram. One said the city grows fast but stays affordable. It promises good growth over time.
The user explained Hyderabad draws buyers and investors even in a slow market. Better roads, less traffic hassle, and a growing subway help. They mentioned spots near Raidurgam, a key business area with offices and tech hubs. “A plot there sold for about ₹177 crore an acre lately,” the post said. This shows big money pouring in.
Still, homes within a short 10-15 minute drive from these zones cost less than expected. “You can grab flats near office strips without the huge markup seen in Bengaluru or Mumbai,” they added.
A $3.5-crore family house in the US, but just a flat in India
One user compared US markets to India’s. The gap in what you get for your money stands out. “In the US, under $400,000 (about ₹3.5 crore) buys a tall 4-5 bedroom home in Ohio, Texas, Georgia, or Midwest suburbs,” the Redditor wrote. “In India, that sum gets you a small Tier-1 city apartment at best.”
This price-value mismatch pushes Indians toward foreign options. “A silent shift to Dubai is underway,” they said. Places like Malaysia and Vietnam now match or beat Bengaluru, Mumbai, and NCR in space and life quality. Costs often match or dip lower.
The user wrapped up: “Look at what you receive and the daily ease—it blows you away.” The draw of Indian property fades against real needs like room, comfort, and price.
Real estate pros weigh in
A Reddit post claimed a good Mumbai flat costs like a Munich one.
Brokers note a 500 sq ft spot in Munich’s top areas like Upper Bavaria starts at $466,000 (about ₹3.96 crore). In Schwabing, 1BHKs begin at $380,000 (₹3.23 crore). Prices climb with spot and size.
One user wrote, “In the US, under $400,000 (₹3.5 crore) gets a 4-5 bedroom home in Ohio, Texas, Georgia, or Midwest suburbs.” This stacks against tiny Indian city flats.
In Ohio, 1,000 sq ft units go for $100,000 to $300,000 (₹85 lakh to ₹2.55 crore), brokers said. Texas sees 1,000-1,300 sq ft places from $195,000 to $450,000 (₹1.66 crore to ₹3.83 crore).
Sunil Singh from Realty Corp said, “Prime Bengaluru spots need at least ₹2-3 crore for a nice flat. Even suburbs’ top projects start at ₹1.5-2 crore.”
Talk turns to Australia too. Users say Australian homes match Indian flat prices in metros. In Windsor’s suburbs, 1BHKs sell for $440,000 to $480,000 (₹3.74 crore to ₹4.08 crore). Sydney 1BHKs kick off at $420,000 (₹3.57 crore), higher in fancy areas.
Singh added, “In Bengaluru’s Indiranagar, a real 1BHK sold for ₹2.3 crore recently.” Prime 1BHKs average ₹1.5-2 crore. Grade A 2BHKs run ₹3-3.5 crore.